Ghostbusters II (1989) Movie Review: A Nostalgic Sequel and Where to Watch Online
Released in 1989, Ghostbusters II is the highly anticipated sequel to the 1984 blockbuster hit Ghostbusters. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film brings back the original team of paranormal investigators, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson, as they once again face supernatural threats in New York City. While Ghostbusters II didn’t quite achieve the same cultural impact as its predecessor, it has since gained a loyal following and remains a fun and entertaining continuation of the Ghostbusters saga.
With a blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements, Ghostbusters II follows the team as they deal with a powerful new villain while grappling with their own struggles in a city that has turned its back on them. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, characters, and legacy, along with providing information on where to watch it online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Summary: The Ghostbusters Return
Ghostbusters II picks up five years after the events of the original film. Despite having saved New York City from the destructive forces of Gozer in the first movie, the Ghostbusters are out of business. The public has turned against them, and they’ve been sued by the city for property damage, leading them to go their separate ways. Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) hosts a TV show on the paranormal, Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) runs an occult bookstore, Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) is conducting research, and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) occasionally appears at parties dressed as a Ghostbuster for kids’ entertainment.
However, when strange paranormal activities begin occurring again, the team is called back into action. This time, the threat comes from a sinister 16th-century tyrant named Vigo the Carpathian (played by Wilhelm von Homburg), whose spirit resides in a painting housed at the Manhattan Museum of Art. With the help of their former client Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), who now works at the museum, the Ghostbusters discover that Vigo plans to return to life by possessing Dana’s infant son.
As the team investigates, they realize that a river of pink slime flowing beneath the city is feeding on the negative emotions of New Yorkers. It becomes a race against time to stop Vigo and the malevolent slime from taking over the city before it’s too late.
Themes: Hope, Redemption, and New York’s Attitude
Ghostbusters II takes a lighter and more hopeful tone than its predecessor, with an emphasis on redemption and second chances. The Ghostbusters, once revered as heroes, have fallen out of favor with the public, but the film shows their journey back to reclaim their status as protectors of the city. The subplot of the negative slime reflects the toxic attitude in New York at the time, drawing a parallel between the characters’ fight against supernatural forces and the struggle to overcome negativity and cynicism in everyday life.
Another central theme is the power of optimism and unity. The film’s climactic scene, where the Ghostbusters use positive energy to empower the Statue of Liberty to defeat Vigo, symbolizes the idea that hope and kindness can overcome darkness and evil. This message resonates not just within the context of the movie but also in a broader, more timeless sense.
Cast and Performances: Bill Murray Steals the Show
One of the film’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between its cast members. Bill Murray’s portrayal of Peter Venkman once again stands out for his sarcastic wit and deadpan delivery, providing much of the film’s humor. Venkman’s dynamic with Dana Barrett, played by Sigourney Weaver, continues to evolve, and their romantic tension adds a heartfelt layer to the story.
Dan Aykroyd (Ray Stantz) and Harold Ramis (Egon Spengler) offer strong support as the scientific minds of the team, delivering some of the film’s more technical humor and contributing to the overall team dynamic. Ernie Hudson’s Winston Zeddemore also gets more screen time in this sequel, making him a more integral part of the Ghostbusters’ adventures.
Supporting performances from Rick Moranis, as the lovable lawyer Louis Tully, and Annie Potts, as the sharp-tongued secretary Janine Melnitz, round out the cast. The villainous Vigo, though limited in his on-screen presence, is an imposing figure, and his influence drives the movie’s central conflict.
Where to Watch Ghostbusters II Online in the U.S.
As a beloved part of the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters II is available across multiple streaming services. Here’s where you can stream or purchase the movie online:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video
- Ghostbusters II is available for both rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices start at $3.99, while purchasing the digital version costs $12.99 to $14.99, depending on the format (SD or HD).
- Hulu
- If you have a Hulu subscription, you can stream Ghostbusters II through their platform. Hulu’s base plan starts at $7.99 per month with ads or $14.99 for the ad-free option.
- Peacock
- Ghostbusters II is available for streaming on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform. You can watch it with a premium subscription, which costs $5.99 per month for the ad-supported plan or $11.99 per month without ads.
- Netflix
- At certain times, Ghostbusters II has been included in Netflix’s streaming catalog, so it’s worth checking if it’s currently available. Netflix’s subscription plans start at $6.99 per month with ads or $15.49 per month for the standard ad-free plan.
- Paramount+
- Another streaming option for Ghostbusters II is Paramount+, where you can access the movie with a subscription that starts at $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- You can rent Ghostbusters II for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99 on Apple TV. It’s available in HD and 4K formats, depending on your device and internet connection.
- Google Play Movies
- Google Play offers Ghostbusters II for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99. The film is available in multiple formats, including HD.
- Vudu
- On Vudu, the movie is available for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99, with the option to stream in HDX quality. Vudu is known for offering high-quality streaming options for film buffs.
- YouTube Movies
- You can rent or purchase Ghostbusters II directly on YouTube, with prices similar to other platforms. Rentals cost $3.99, while purchasing the movie will cost around $12.99.
Visual Effects and Iconic Moments: A Step Forward
One of the notable aspects of Ghostbusters II is the improvement in visual effects compared to the original film. With advancements in technology by 1989, the ghostly apparitions and supernatural phenomena appear more polished. The pink slime flowing through the sewers of New York and the climactic battle with Vigo are standout sequences that showcase the enhanced special effects.
The scene where the Statue of Liberty is animated by positive slime and walks through the streets of New York is one of the film’s most iconic moments. It adds a touch of grandeur and patriotism, emphasizing the theme of unity and the power of optimism.
Why You Should Revisit Ghostbusters II Today
Although Ghostbusters II did not receive the same critical acclaim as its predecessor, it has aged well and remains a fun, lighthearted adventure for fans of the franchise. The film continues to capture the quirky humor and charm of the original while introducing new elements to the Ghostbusters universe. The return of the original cast, the engaging plot, and the blend of humor and supernatural action make it a worthwhile watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.
For those who love 80s and 90s nostalgia, Ghostbusters II offers a fun trip back in time with its signature blend of comedy, adventure, and paranormal excitement.
Conclusion: Watch Ghostbusters II Online Today
Whether you’re revisiting Ghostbusters II as a longtime fan or experiencing it for the first time, it’s never been easier to access this classic sequel. With its availability on major streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock, you can dive into the supernatural fun from the comfort of your home. So grab your proton pack, and get ready to bust some ghosts!
